Protecting pollinators in and near soybean

Pollinators benefit our ecosystem

Pollinating insects occur in and near soybean fields. In addition to the well-known domesticated honey bee, other species of bees (i.e., sweat bees, bumble bees, etc.), butterflies, and syrphid flies are also pollinators and a valuable part of our ecosystem.

Protecting pollinators both during planting and throughout the growing season is an important part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Many insecticides are toxic to pollinators, but steps can be taken to reduce the risk of the insecticides impacting pollinators.

Seed treatments and pollinators

Insecticide seed treatments offer protection of soybean from certain pests from seed through early-vegetative growth plant stages. These treatments may pose a risk to pollinators that obtain nectar directly from the soybean flowers, but the most risk to pollinators appears to occur when dust from planters moves into the agricultural landscape.

Minimize "off-dusting"

This dust, which consists primarily of lubricants such as talc, is used to aid in seed movement through the planter and may contain high concentrations of insecticide residue. The insecticide-containing dust gets deposited on surrounding flowering plants and soil, resulting in exposure to non-target insects, such as pollinators. However, this "off dusting" can be minimized by following a few rules:

• Be aware of the wind speed at planting. Wind speeds in excess of 10 mph can result in blowing dust.
• Avoid excessive use of lubricants (talc, etc.).
• Direct planter exhaust downward toward the soil surface, if possible. Use of downward deflectors may decrease off-site movement of dust.
• Clean planters and seed boxes away from sensitive environmental areas, especially those attractive to pollinators. Field edges with flowering plants is an example of such areas. 

Foliar insecticides and pollinators

Pollinators can be found foraging in soybean fields during the flowering stages. When treatment decisions are being made for insect pests, such as soybean aphid, this period, it is important to minimize the risk to pollinators. Keep in mind these general recommendations for reducing pesticide risks to pollinators (from Protect pollinators: Wise insecticide use, August 2, 2018):

• Know and communicate with beekeepers about pesticide application schedules and products. In Minnesota, DriftWatch lists locations of some hives.

• Use economic thresholds and other IPM strategies. Economic thresholds ensure that pesticides are used only when necessary to prevent economic loss.

• Use pesticides with low toxicity and low residual to bees. For example, avoid using dusts or wettable powder insecticide formulations, because they are generally more toxic to bees.

• Early-morning or late-evening applications are the least harmful to most pollinating insects.

• Never apply pesticides on a windy day. Wind speeds in excess of 10 mph could cause spray drift problems.

When using pesticides, always read and follow the label directions. Labels for some products/formulations will provide specific directions for minimizing risk to pollinators (Figure 3.)

Keep these recommendations in mind to help you protect pollinators while you use pesticides to protect your crop.